Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) Microscopy is a technique that only illuminates dye molecules near a surface. In this video, the pioneer of TIRF Microscopy describes what this technique is used for, explains the principles of the evanescent wave, gives many examples of different microscope configurations used in TIRF, and shows how polarized light TIRF can be used to image membrane orientation.

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iBiology (www.ibiology.org) is a collection of open-access online videos by scientists about research and discoveries that cover a wide variety of life science subjects. iBiology has produced over 80 videos by the world's leading scientists including seminars about research in fields from ecology to biophysics, a 65-video course on light microscopy, and over 90 short talks on topics such as professional development, careers, science and society, and education. iBiology is funded by NSF, NIGMS, and HHMI, and supported by the ASCB and UCSF.